If you want to help build a better world, but you feel overwhelmed, you're not sure where to start, or you're afraid of accidentally doing "the wrong thing," this tiny book might help you out.
This book includes 30 small action steps that make a big difference.
I co-wrote this book along with my amazing colleague Lindsey Smith.
We worked with a diverse group of friends to collect input from many voices, and make this book as powerful and inclusive as possible.
It’s not “perfect” and it’s not “everything,” but it’s a place to start.
#3. Free / Donation-based class
This is a writing class I taught a few days ago. This class was a fundraiser for organizations dedicated to ending racist systems, violence, and oppression, including Black Lives Matter and the Minnesota Freedom Fund. Together, we raised $24,606. This amount
is far beyond what I ever anticipated or imagined possible. You are amazing. Thank you.
. . .
With all the sorrow in the world, it can feel paralyzing.
It can feel difficult to know "where to begin" or "what to do."
I feel the paralysis, too.
I don't have the perfect answer, but I do know this:
Where to begin?
Begin wherever you are, with whatever resources you've got.
If you have $10, then do something with $10. If you have 10 minutes, then do something with 10 minutes. If all you have is a piece of paper, a pen, your listening ears, your beautiful heart, and your caring spirit, then do something with that, because that is a lot.
What to do?
Do something helpful and kind.
Keep it simple.
Don't stall.
Just do it.
What you "do" doesn't have to be big and complicated.
Tiny projects—one letter, one email, one worksheet, one checklist, one conversation—can make a big difference.
And when many people join forces, doing many tiny things together, the result is massive.
Be good to yourself. Rest. Enjoy your weekend.
Oh, and by the way, you're probably dehydrated right now without even realizing it. Drink some water. Okay. Good. Talk again soon.
-Alex
PPS. Text that one friend you haven't heard from in awhile. Just to say, "I love you," and "How are you...really?" and "I am here for you." xo. Your text might shift their whole day.
And, you never know, you might be the only person who has checked in.